Espérance daring to dream

• Espérance picked up a vital 1-0 win against LAFC
• Know now that victory over Chelsea FC next week will secure a knockout stage berth
• The Tunisian side has been backed by a large and vocal gathering of supporters

Their fans wore traditional hats, high boots, and big belts. They descended on bars playing country music and oozing tradition. Calmness meets the chaos of stag and hen parties. Over the last few days, the streets of Nashville, which are better known for their vibrant culture, have taken on a new, football-themed reality with the arrival of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

A respectful yet passionate wave of yellow and orange supporters has swept through the streets as they soak up the atmosphere and enjoy being part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When they went head-to-head with LAFC in their Group D clash, Espérance put on a display that reflected the passion their supporters show. After recording a 1-0 win in Nashville, Maher Kanzari’s side clung not only to life in the tournament but also to their style of play, which is deeply linked to their supporters. 

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While LAFC’s supporters were typically vocal and backed their side to the hilt, it was the Tunisian fans who really stole the show. Just like many other clubs at the tournament held in the United States, they saw it as the perfect opportunity to showcase their passion for their team to the rest of the world. Flags being waved, songs being sung, and shirts proudly on display. A fascinating scene that caught everyone’s attention. And it was that passion and emotion that spurred their team to victory. 

The first half was a somewhat cagey affair, with both sides showing glimpses of what they were capable of although chances were at a premium.

The second half was a different kettle of fish, however. By the time Youcef Belaili had drawn first blood and put his side a goal to the good, they had already threatened to break the deadlock on several occasions. The Tunisian outfit relishes physical battles, plays with high intensity, and is very difficult to break down. Thanks to that solid foundation, they kept LAFC largely at bay for most of the tie. Belaili, scorer of the game’s only goal, is a silky dribbler who is always looking to make things happen. 

“When you play for Espérance, you have to fight and give your all in every competition. I played in the CAF Champions League and now I’m playing at the Club World Cup. This is my home,” Belaili said after the match. To which he added: “Every player gave it their absolute all. We believed we had what it took to win. Our supporters deserve to be happy. We’re the first Arab team to win a game at the tournament, and now our full focus is on making it through to the next round of the competition.”

The supporters, who sang their hearts out for the whole game, seem to represent more than just a source of pride. LAFC’s Sergi Palencia admitted: “We could hear our supporters, but truth be told, they were largely drowned out by their raucous fans. There were more of them, and they were far more vocal, but that’s just part and parcel of the game.”

In the dying embers of the game, a costly mistake led to LAFC being awarded a last-minute penalty, but the Tunisian outfit managed to pull off another miracle. Bechir Ben Said thwarted Denis Bouanga’s effort.

“We’d have been absolutely gutted if we’d conceded in stoppage time and ended up ruing all our other missed chances,” Yassine Meriah said after the match.

On 24 June, Espérance will go toe-to-toe with Chelsea FC in Philadelphia. The Tunisian side need to get a good result to make it out of the group, but at this point, no one can stop them from dreaming. Especially not with all the passion and energy that seems to be spurring them on. 

“The fact of the matter is, if we manage to beat Chelsea, we’ll go through. Everyone at the club, from the players and coaches to the fans, we’re all living a dream that’s slowly turning into reality. Our next match will be an extremely tough test, but if we’re patient and play with plenty of energy, we know we can get over the line,” Meriah said.

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